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Paul R. LePage GOVERNOR

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S TA TE OF MA IN E gN T OF Tn.,rN sponTA TtoN H OU S E MA IN E S TA TION 04333.0016

16 S TA TE AU GU S TA ,

David Bernhardt

February 24,20L2

COMMISSIONER

Dear GO MAINE Vanpooler: This letter is to inform you that the GO MAINE VanpoolProgram will end on May t,2OL2. I want to thank you for your interest in alternativetransportationas we all look for ways to save money, help the environmentand better our state through innovativeideas. However,the GO MaineCommuterConnections Programwill continueto offer commuter ridematching and employeroutreachservices,includingoptionsfor you to continue vanpoolingwith a private vanpooloperator. In September2011, as part of an overall programreview, MaineDOT undertooka comprehensive evaluationof the GO MAINECommuterConnections Program,a statewide servicefunded since 2002 in partnership with the MaineTurnpikeAuthority. It became clear that while transportationfunds have helpedto support the vanpool programand keep the cost of riding in a vanpoolas low as possible, funding for replacement and new vans has been inconsistent. The review concluded that, althoughthe vanpool program providesa valuableserviceto Mainecommutersand employers,sufficientfunding is simply not availableto meet the need for vanpoolvehiclereplacement, and related ongoingexpenses. Therefore,given the current difficulteconomicclimate and the challengeof meeting the fundingdemands, are endingthe publicly we fundedvanpoolprogram. ThroughGO MAINE, we will continueto offer commuter ridematching servicesand the EmergenryRide Home Guaranteebenefit to private vanpoolsor vanpoolsprovidedby third-party vanpool operators. In the next few days, you will be contactedby GO MAINEwith informationon how to concludeyour vanpool paymentsto the State of Maineand return current vehicles,as well as with essentialinformationon your optionsto continuevanpoolingwith private vanpool operators,or to form/join a carpoolbeginningin May. Again,thank you for your interestand participation. We hopethat you will continueto participate a similarridesharing in arrangement,

DavidBernhardt Commissioner

PRINIED RKYCLEO ON PAPEF

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MAINE

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P HO N E :

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TTY 888-5 16.9364

FA Xr (207) 624-3Oor